Basketball training aid

ABSTRACT

An improved basketball training aid comprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is intended for attachment to a basketball backboard and basketball goal. The basketball training aid comprises a shield formed into a substantially semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-elliptical shape with a gripping means affixed to each end of the shield. In use, each of the gripping means is attached to the front surface of the basketball backboard. The shield is held in place by the gripping means slightly above and substantially parallel to the basketball goal solely by the gripping means, with the upper surface of the shield is positioned above the top surface of the basketball goal and outside the front edge of the basketball goal. The basketball training aid is removed from the front surface of the basketball backboard by detaching each gripping means from the front surface of the basketball backboard

BACKGROUND

[0001] The game of basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891in Springfield, Mass. Although the peach basket basketball goals of Dr.Naismith's day have given way in modem times to basketball goalsincorporating engineered breakaway rims, the objective of the game hasnot changed. Points are awarded by shooting a basketball through thebasketball goal.

[0002] It is known in the art of basketball shooting that one usingproper basketball shooting technique will successfully shoot abasketball through the basketball goal more frequently than one who doesnot. It also is known in the art of basketball shooting that abasketball approaching the basketball goal at a low or flat trajectorystands a smaller chance of passing successfully through the basketballgoal than does a basketball approaching the basketball goal at a higheror more lofted trajectory. Thus, one component of proper basketballshooting technique is the ability to impart a properly lofted trajectoryon the basketball.

[0003] Several attempts have been made to develop a basketball trainingdevice which, through repetitive use, will assist a basketball shooterin developing the muscle memory required to impart the desirable loftedtrajectory on his or her basketball shots. One such device is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,566 to Ferrari. The Ferrari device involvesplacement of a vertically oriented circular member between the shooterand the basketball goal. The plane including the circular member isperpendicular to the plane including the basketball goal. The object ofthe Ferrari device is to shoot the basketball such that it passes firstthrough the vertically oriented circular member, and then through thehorizontally oriented basketball goal. The vertically oriented circularmember is positioned along the shooter's desired trajectory.

[0004] While Ferrari device may assist a basketball shooter indeveloping the desirable lofted trajectory on his or her basketballshots, it possesses several disadvantages. First, it is known in the artof basketball shooting that the shooter's attention should be directedtoward the basketball goal as the shooter attempts the shot. By hand-eyecoordination, a shooter whose attention is directed toward thebasketball goal will determine the distance and direction of thebasketball goal, and then release the basketball with the velocity anddegree of inclination necessary to cause the basketball to reach thebasketball goal. Because the Ferrari device provides an intermediatetarget for the shooter, its use may direct the shooter's attention awayfrom basketball goal and onto the Ferrari device. Thus, when the deviceis removed, such as during competition, the shooter may becomedisoriented and unable to repeat the shooting technique he or shepracticed. The Ferrari device also is disadvantageous in that it must berepositioned if the shooter wishes to practice shooting from a differentposition on the basketball court. Because the degree of inclination of abasketball shot may change based on the shooter's distance from thebasketball goal, the height of the vertically oriented circular memberof the Ferrari device also must be changed based on the shooter'sdistance from the basketball goal. In addition, because the Ferraridevice must be positioned directly between the shooter and thebasketball goal during use, it must be repositioned each time theshooter wishes to change the position on the basketball court from whichhe or she is practicing.

[0005] Another basketball training device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,803,837 issued to LoFaso, Sr. The LoFaso, Sr. device comprises acircular or elliptical member that is mounted to or above the basketballgoal. The plane including the circular or elliptical member forms anacute angle with respect to the plane including the basketball goal. Theobject of the LoFaso, Sr. device is to shoot the basketball such that itpasses first through the acutely angled circular or elliptical member,and then through the horizontally oriented basketball goal. The acutelyangled circular or elliptical member is positioned along the shooter'sdesired trajectory. Through repetitive use, such a basketball trainingdevice will assist a basketball shooter in developing the muscle memoryrequired to impart the desirable lofted trajectory on his or herbasketball shots.

[0006] The LoFaso, Sr. device possesses some of the same disadvantagesof the Ferrari device. The LoFaso, Sr. device must be positioneddirectly between the shooter and the basketball goal during use, so itmust be repositioned each time the shooter wishes to change positions onthe basketball court from which he or she is practicing.

[0007] Another basketball training device involves the use of a barrierover which a basketball shot must be lofted in order to pass through thebasketball goal. A device of this type comprises a semi-circular memberhaving a radial dimension larger than the basketball goal with each endof the semi-circular member engaged with the basketball backboard. Theplane including the semi-circular member is parallel to the planeincluding the basketball goal. The advantage of such a device is that itmay be used by a shooter from any practice position on the basketballcourt without the need for repositioning the device each time theshooter wishes to change the position on the basketball court from whichhe or she is practicing. In addition, its proximate relationship to thebasketball goal directs the shooter's attention toward the basketballgoal as the shooter attempts the shot. The devices disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 5,827,136 issued to Halter et al., and in U.S. Pat. No.3,342,486 issued to Farley, each discloses a basketball training aid ofthis general type. While each device possesses advantages over theFerrari device and the LoFaso, Sr. device, the devices disclosed byHalter et al. and by Farley still possess several disadvantages.

[0008] The Halter et al. device is a children's backboard and basketballgoal assembly designed for mounting to a door. The semi-circular memberof the Halter et al. device is pivotably attached to the backboard andbasketball goal assembly in such a manner that it can be retracted intothe backboard portion of the device. The retracted semi-circular memberof the Halter et al. device leaves a non-uniform surface to thebackboard, which is disadvantageous in that it may distort basketballshots banked therefrom. Thus, it is desired to provide a device whichmay be completely detached from the backboard, leaving a uniform surfaceto the backboard from which shots may be banked with predictableresults.

[0009] To properly position its semi-circular member, the Farley devicerequires use of large clamps to attach the ends of the semi-circularmember to each side of the basketball backboard, as well as supportingrids that are clamped to the basketball goal. Thus, while the Farleydevice leaves a uniform surface to the basketball backboard whenremoved, the effort involved in attaching and removing the Farley deviceis substantial. In addition, the supporting rods used by Farley havelimited utility when used with the modern basketball goals incorporatingbreakaway rims.

[0010] For the foregoing reasons, it is desired to provide a basketballtraining aid that includes the use of a barrier over which a basketballshot must be lofted in order to pass through the basketball goal. Thedesired device will be easy to attach and to remove from the basketballbackboard apparatus, and will not require support from the basketballgoal for proper use. When removed, the desired device will leave auniform surface to the backboard from which basketball shots may bebanked with predictable results. The desired device also will belightweight, economic to manufacture, reasonably priced, and constructedof reliable materials.

SUMMARY

[0011] The present invention is an improved basketball training aidcomprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted inorder to pass through the basketball goal. The basketball training aidis intended for attachment to a basketball backboard having aconventional basketball goal with a circular rim mounted to the frontsurface of the basketball backboard.

[0012] In one embodiment, the basketball training aid comprises a shieldhaving a first end and a second end and being formed into asubstantially semi-circular shape or a substantially semi-ellipticalshape, with a first gripping means and a second gripping means affixedrespectively to the first end and the second end of the shield. Each ofthe gripping means is releaseably attachable to the front surface of thebasketball backboard. In one embodiment, the gripping means comprisevacuum cups which attach by vacuum to the front surface of the backboardwhen compressed thereagainst. Such vacuum cups comprise means forreleasing the vacuum, thus releasing the present invention from thefront surface of the basketball backboard.

[0013] In one embodiment, the shield is held in place slightly above andsubstantially parallel to the basketball goal solely by the grippingmeans, with the substantially semi-circular shape or substantiallysemi-elliptical shape of the shield extending away from the frontsurface of the basketball backboard at least slightly farther than thecircular rim of the basketball goal, thereby causing an upper surface ofthe shield to be positioned above a top surface of the circular rim andoutside a front edge of the circular rim.

[0014] In one embodiment, the shield comprises a flexible strip ofpolycarbonate material, with a portion of the strip adjacent to each endbent at approximately 90° to the center segment of the strip to formlegs. In another embodiment, the shield comprises an injection moldedpolycarbonate material molded into a predetermined curved shape, whereina portion of the curved shape adjacent to each end is curved atapproximately 90° to form legs.

[0015] The basketball training aid also may incorporate tethering meansengaged with the gripping means to prevent the basketball training aidfrom falling to the ground if the gripping means unexpectedly disengagefrom the front surface of the backboard.

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present invention,and the manner of attaining them, will be more apparent and betterunderstood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments ofthe invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings andwith the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017]FIG. 1 shows a left upper front perspective view of one embodimentof an improved basketball training aid according to the presentinvention, as installed on a basketball backboard and goal apparatus.

[0018]FIG. 2A shows a top view of the embodiment of the improvedbasketball training aid of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 2B shows a side view of the embodiment of the improvedbasketball training aid of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 3A shows a top view of one embodiment of a basketballtraining aid according to the present invention when disengaged from abasketball backboard and goal apparatus.

[0021]FIG. 3B shows a partial side view of one embodiment of abasketball training aid according to the present invention whendisengaged from a basketball backboard and goal apparatus.

[0022]FIG. 4A shows a partially cut-away top view of a gripping meansaccording to the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 4B shows an exploded perspective view of the gripping meansof FIG. 4A.

[0024]FIG. 5 shows a top view of one embodiment of a basketball trainingaid according to the present invention when disengaged from a basketballbackboard and goal apparatus.

DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention is an improved basketball training aidcomprising a barrier over which a basketball shot must be lofted inorder to pass through the basketball goal. A basketball training aidaccording to the present invention is easy to attach and remove from thebasketball backboard and goal apparatus, and does not require supportfrom the basketball goal or from other supporting means or apparatusduring use. A basketball training aid according to the present inventionis attached to the surface of the basketball backboard during use by atleast one gripping means. When the basketball training aid is removed,the basketball backboard is left with a substantially planar surfacefrom which basketball shots may be banked with predictable results.

[0026]FIG. 1 shows a left upper front perspective view of one embodimentof an improved basketball training aid 20 according to the presentinvention, as installed on a regulation sized basketball backboard andgoal apparatus, such as that used in games sanctioned by the NationalBasketball Association.

[0027]FIG. 2A shows a top view of the basketball backboard and goalapparatus of FIG. 1, with basketball training aid 20 according to thepresent invention installed thereon. FIG. 2B shows a side view of thebasketball backboard and goal apparatus of FIG. 1, with basketballtraining aid 20 according to the present invention installed thereon.

[0028] Shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B is basketball training aid 20,comprising shield 21 and a first and a second gripping means 22.Optionally, basketball training aid 20 also comprises logo 27. Alsoshown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B is backboard 10 comprising a substantiallyplanar vertical front surface 11, L-shaped basketball goal support 12comprising a first arm 12 a and a second arm 12 b, and conventionalbasketball goal 13. Arm 12 a of basketball goal support 12 has aconventional basketball goal 13 securely attached to the outer edgethereof, such as by welding. Optionally, basketball goal support 12 andbasketball goal 13 may be of unitary construction. Arm 12 b ofbasketball goal support 12 is positioned against front surface 11, nearthe lower edge of front surface 11 and equidistant from each verticaledge of front surface 11, and then attached to backboard 10 by meansknown in the art, such as by bolting. When so attached, basketball goal13 is oriented horizontally and extends outwardly from front surface 11.Thus, basketball goal 13 is in a plane disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the plane of front surface 11.

[0029] In the embodiment of backboard 10 shown in FIG. 1, front surface11 comprises a target rectangle 14, but this is not required.Optionally, a rectangle 14 comprising striping which may be painted,etched, embossed, or otherwise affixed to front surface 11 in low reliefso that the presence of rectangle 14 does not substantially alter theplanar nature of front surface 11 may be added to assist shootingaccuracy for shots banked off front surface 11. The horizontal andvertical legs of rectangle 14 are substantially parallel to thehorizontal and vertical edges of front surface 11, respectively. Eachvertical leg of rectangle 14 is equidistant from the correspondingvertical edge of backboard 10. In the embodiment of backboard 10 shownin FIG. 1, the lower leg of rectangle 14 is disposed between and frontsurface 11 and arm 12 b of basketball goal support 12.

[0030] Improved basketball training aid is installed on basketballbackboard 10 by affixing each gripping means 22 to front surface 11.When attached to front surface 11, gripping means 22 collectivelyprovide gripping force sufficient to hold shield 21 in place above andsubstantially parallel to basketball goal 13. Preferably, gripping means22 are affixed so that an imaginary line drawn between the center ofeach gripping means 22 is substantially parallel to and above thehorizontal plane of basketball goal 13. Thus, the horizontal plane ofshield 21 will be substantially parallel to and above the horizontalplane of basketball goal 13. In one implementation, gripping means 22are positioned approximately twenty-four inches (24″) apart on frontsurface 11, and slightly above goal 13 so that the bottommost edge ofshield 21 is approximately two inches (2″) from the topmost edge ofbasketball goal 13. The exact position may be varied upwardly ordownwardly on front surface 11 depending on the desired trajectory ofbasketball shots aimed at the basketball goal during training. Thedistance between the gripping means 22 also may be varied to be morethan or less than twenty-four inches (24″) depending on the desiredshape of shield 21 and/or the desired trajectory of basketball shotsaimed at the basketball goal during training. For example, it is withinthe scope of the present invention that the gripping means are placedclose together on front surface 11, directly above basketball goalsupport 12. In this alignment, shield 21 comprises a nearly circularshape generally corresponding to the circumference of basketball goal13. It also is within the scope of the present invention that shield 21is supported by a single gripping means affixed to front surface 11,directly above basketball goal support 12. In such an embodiment, shield21 comprises a nearly circular shape generally corresponding to thecircumference of basketball goal 13 with both ends of shield 21comprising the single gripping means.

[0031] Optionally, a tethering means may be engaged with each grippingmeans 22 and with basketball goal support 12. The optional tetheringmeans is used to reduce the likelihood that basketball training aid 20will fall to the ground in the event that one or more gripping means 22unexpectedly detaches from front surface 11. Basketball training aid 20is removed from front surface 11 by detaching each gripping means 22from front surface 11.

[0032]FIG. 3A shows a top view of one embodiment of a basketballtraining aid according to the present invention when disengaged frombackboard 10. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, shield 21 comprises asubstantially flat strip comprising a flexible polycarbonate material,such as a strip comprising the polycarbonate material sold by GeneralElectric under the trade name LEXAN®. Other polycarbonate andnon-polycarbonate materials may be used, as long as the materialselected is flexible and lightweight enough to require support only bythe gripping means attached thereto, yet also is durable enough towithstand the impact of misaimed basketball shots that may strike itduring use. Where shield 21 comprises a polycarbonate material such asthe General Electric LEXAN® material, it is preferable that thethickness of shield 21 be at least one eighth inch (⅛″).

[0033] To fabricate the embodiment of basketball training aid 20 shownin FIG. 3A, a practitioner begins with a flat strip of the desiredpolycarbonate material, wherein the strip has a length significantlygreater than its width. Preferably, the strip of polycarbonate materialcomprising shield 21 is at least one inch (1″) wide. In oneimplementation of the present invention, the strip of polycarbonatematerial comprising shield 21 is approximately seventy-two inches (72″)long and two inches (2″) wide. Such precise measurements of length andwidth are not required, however. It is only required that length ofshield 21 be sufficient so that when the basketball training aid 20 isattached to the front surface of backboard 10 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A,and 2B, the distance between front surface 11 and the midpoint of shield21 is at least slightly greater than the distance between front surface11 and the point of basketball goal 13 most distant from front surface11. Thus, the curvature of shield 21 when attached to front surface 11is at least slightly greater than the curvature of basketball goal 13.Preferably, the curvature should be such that shield 21 extends betweenabout one-half inch (½″) and about four inches (4″) outside the frontedge of goal 13.

[0034] In some implementations, the strip of the polycarbonate materialis cut from a larger sheet of polycarbonate material into one or morerectangular strips by means known in the art. If necessary, the edges ofeach strip are deburred and beveled to reduce the likelihood of injuryto those handling the strip or the finished basketball training aid.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, each end of shield 21 isadapted for attachment of gripping means 22. Each gripping means 22shown in FIG. 3A comprises a vacuum cup assembly, such as that sold byAll-Vac Industries, Inc. of Skokie, Ill., under the part number A1867.Other gripping means known in the art may be used, such as, for example,multiple ordinary suction cups, as long as the gripping means selected:(i) will affix the basketball training aid to the front surface of abasketball backboard without marring the basketball backboard; (ii) maybe removed from the basketball backboard, without marring the basketballbackboard; and (iii) when affixed to the basketball backboard,collectively provide gripping force sufficient to support shield 21,including during those times when shield 21 is struck by one or moremisaimed basketball shots. In one embodiment, the gripping force of eachgripping means is at least about seventy-five (75) pounds.

[0036] Where gripping means 22 comprises a vacuum cup assembly, aninstallation hole is made through shield 21 near each end thereof, suchas by drilling. In one implementation of the present invention, thecenter of the hole is between about one and one-half inches (1-½″) andabout two inches (2″) from each end of shield 21. The center of eachsuch hole is located approximately in the center of the width of shield21.

[0037] A portion of each end of shield 21 then is bent across the widthof shield 21 to form an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) toform supporting legs 28. The bend is made in each end of shield 21 at apoint beyond the location of the hole, so that each leg 28 including thehole is at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°) from thecenter segment of shield 21. The legs 28 are bent in a direction so thatboth extend in the same direction from shield 21 as shown in FIG. 3A.The comer between each leg 28 and the center segment of shield 21 maycomprised a smooth radius as long as the portion of each leg 28including the hole is at an angle of approximately ninety degrees (90°)from the center segment of shield 21.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize that a basketballtraining aid according to the present invention comprises a cantileverdesign supported during use only by the gripping means 22 on thebasketball backboard. Because gripping means 22 may comprise flexiblematerials, the action of gravity on shield 21 as it extends away fromthe front surface of the basketball backboard may cause shield 21 torotate slightly about a fulcrum comprising the gripping means 22. Themidpoint of shield 21 may be displaced slightly downwardly, causingshield 21 to lose its substantial parallelism with the basketball goal.

[0039]FIG. 3B shows a partial side view of one embodiment of abasketball training aid according to the present invention whendisengaged from backboard 10, wherein each leg 28 comprises an equaldegree of canting to substantially offset the gravitational action onshield 21 when the basketball training aid is affixed to backboard 10.In the absence of gravity, a cant in each leg 28 such as that shown inFIG. 3B causes shield 21 to tilt upwardly as it extends away frombackboard 10. Under normal gravitational conditions, the cant in eachleg 28 substantially offsets the gravitational action on shield 21,causing shield 21 to be positioned substantially parallel to basketballgoal 13 when each gripping means 22 is affixed to front surface 11 ofbackboard 10. At the discretion of the practitioner, the cant may beformed in each leg 28 at the same time each leg 28 is formed from shield21, or thereafter.

[0040] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the degree ofcanting required in a particular implementation of the present inventionvaries depending on many factors such as the weight of shield 21, thedistance between the midpoint of shield 21 and the front surface ofbackboard 11, and the rigidity of gripping means 22. For example, aheavier shield 21 will require a greater degree of canting than alighter shield 21. Likewise, the greater the distance between themidpoint of shield 21 and the front surface of backboard 11, the greaterthe degree of canting will be required. A more rigid gripping means 22will require a lesser degree of canting than a less rigid gripping means22. Other factors may be need to be taken into consideration by apractitioner in determining the appropriate canting required in aparticular implementation of the present invention. In oneimplementation of the present invention wherein shield 21 comprises apolycarbonate material strip approximately seventy-two inches (72″) longand two inches (2″) wide and each gripping means 22 comprises a vacuumcup, canting within a range of about six degrees (6°) to about ninedegrees (9°) in each leg was sufficient to substantially offset thegravitational action on the shield and hold the shield in the desiredposition. Other implementations of the present invention may require agreater degree or lesser degree of canting in each leg.

[0041] Gripping means 22 are attached to each leg 28 of shield 21. Wherethe gripping means 22 comprises a vacuum cup assembly, attachment ofeach gripping means 22 is accomplished as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. FIG.4A shows a partially cut-away top view of a gripping means 22 comprisinga vacuum cup assembly mounted to one leg 28 of shield 21. FIG. 4B showsan exploded perspective view of the gripping means 22 of FIG. 4A,illustrating assembly of the vacuum cup assembly on leg 28.

[0042] In FIGS. 4A and 4B, gripping means 22 comprises suction cup 23,sealing rod 24, nut 25, knob 26, and spring 31. Suction cup 23 has ahollow interior with a flexible concave first end 29 engageable with abasketball backboard, and a flat second end 30. End 29 of suction cup 23comprises central orifice communicating between end 29 and the hollowinterior of suction cup 23.

[0043] Mounted to and lining the hollow interior of suction cup 23 ishollow sleeve 34, comprising a rigid tubular material internally sizedto receive sealing rod 24 and sealing plug 33 (as describedhereinafter). Sleeve 34 has a first end comprising a substantiallyclosed end having a narrow central opening therethrough which aligns andcommunicates with the central orifice of end 29 of suction cup 23, and asecond end which extends past second end 30 of suction cup 23 andcomprises an externally threaded opening, externally sized to passthrough the installation hole in leg 28. Together, the narrow centralopening of the second end of sleeve 34 and the central orifice of end 29of suction cup 23 comprise vacuum release hole 32.

[0044] Sealing rod 24 comprises a small-diameter threaded rod having afirst end and a second end. The first end of sealing rod 24 comprisessealing plug 33 sized so that it passes through the second end of sleeve34, but does not pass through vacuum release hole 32.

[0045] Spring 31 is cylindrical in shape, with a diameter slightlylarger than sealing rod 24. Nut 25 comprises a nut having a first endthreadably engageable with the second end of sleeve 34, and a second endengageable with the second end of sealing rod 24. Knob 26 comprises aknob for engagement with a human hand. Knob 26 comprises female threadsengageable with the second end of sealing rod 24.

[0046] The vacuum cup assembly is installed by placing the second end ofsleeve 34 through the installation hole in leg 28 of shield 21. Thefirst end of sealing rod 24 then is inserted into the second end ofsleeve 34 until it abuts the first end of sleeve 34. The second end ofsealing rod 24 remains exposed outside the second end of sleeve 34.Spring 31 is slipped over sealing rod 24 until spring 31 abuts againstsealing plug 33. The second end of sealing rod 24 then is passed throughthe second end of nut 25. The first end of nut 25 is threaded onto thesecond end of sleeve 34, and is tightened until end 30 of suction cup 23is engaged against one side of leg 28, and nut 25 is engaged against theother side of leg 28. Proper engagement of nut 25 causes spring 31 to becompressed inside suction cup 23, thereby causing sealing plug 33 to beforced against vacuum release hole 32, preventing the passage of airthrough vacuum release hole 32. Knob 26 then is engaged with the exposedsecond end of sealing rod 24. The process is repeated for each grippingmeans 22.

[0047] In use, end 29 of suction cup 23 is compressed against frontsurface 11 of backboard 10, causing a vacuum to be formed between end 29and front surface 11. The vacuum is released by pulling knob 26 in adirection away from front surface 11, thus causing sealing plug 33 tolose engagement with vacuum release hole 32, permitting the passage ofair through vacuum release hole 32.

[0048] A portion of suction cup 23 is cut away in FIG. 4A to show therelationship of sealing rod 24, spring 31, vacuum release hole 32,sealing plug 33, and sleeve 34 inside the hollow interior of suction cup23. In addition, to illustrate this embodiment of gripping means 22, asmall length of sealing rod 24 is shown in FIG. 4A as being exposedbetween knob 26 and the second end of nut 25. Exposure of sealing rod 24in this manner is not required. Sealing rod 24 may be engaged with nut25 and knob 26 such that sealing rod 24 is completely obscured, withknob 26 thus being positioned against the second end of nut 25.

[0049] A top view of an alternate embodiment of improved basketballtraining aid 20 according to the present invention is shown in FIG. 5disengaged from a basketball backboard. In the embodiment shown in FIG.5, shield 21 comprises a polycarbonate material, such as thepolycarbonate material sold by General Electric under the trade nameLEXAN®, which is formed into a shield of the desired shape and size byinjection molding. Other polycarbonate materials may be used, as long asthe material selected is injection moldable into a shield lightweightenough to require support only by the gripping means disclosed herein,and durable and flexible enough to withstand the impact of misaimedbasketball shots which may strike it during use.

[0050] The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is made by providing a mold of atype known in the art to be suitable for the chosen polycarbonatematerial, and having internal dimensions substantially the same as theexternal dimensions of the finished shield. The chosen polycarbonatematerial is injected into the mold using techniques well known in theart and permitted to cure into the shape of shield 21. The cured shield21 then is removed from the mold. Supplemental processing may beperformed on shield 21 to produce the desired dimensions and surfacefinish. After the desired dimensions and surface finish are achieved,gripping means 22 are installed.

[0051] The present invention is an improved basketball training aidproviding significant advantages over the prior art. The basketballtraining aid according to the present invention attaches to the surfaceof the basketball backboard for use, and, when removed therefrom, leavesthe front surface to the basketball backboard substantially planar sothat basketball shots may be banked with predictable results. Abasketball training aid according to the present invention islightweight, economic to manufacture, reasonably priced, and constructedof reliable materials.

[0052] The use of a basketball training aid according to the presentinvention is illustrated herein in conjunction a regulation-sizedbasketball backboard and goal apparatus, such as that used in gamessanctioned by the National Basketball Association. As will beappreciated by those skilled in the art, a basketball training aidaccording to the present invention may be adapted for use with othertypes of basketball backboards, such as, for example, curved orfan-shaped backboards or rectangular backboards of non-regulationdimensions. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that abasketball training aid according to the present invention may beadapted for use with a basketball backboard comprising one of manymaterials, such as, for example, glass, polycarbonate materials,fiberglass, wood, plywood, particle board, or other materials well-knownin the basketball backboard construction art. Accordingly, it is withinthe scope of the present invention that if the basketball backboardcomprises a material such as wood or a wood product through which smallholes may be made without substantially distorting the front surface ofthe backboard, the basketball training aid of the present invention maycomprise gripping means such as bolts which engage through such smallholes and hold the shield in the desired position against the frontsurface of the backboard.

[0053] In addition, the dimensions of the shield and the placement ofthe basketball training aid on the basketball backboard discussed hereindo not show every possible embodiment of the present invention. Thelength and/or width and/or placement of the basketball training aid onthe basketball backboard may be altered and still fall within the scopeof the present invention. For example, a practitioner may find itdesirable to construct a basketball training aid according to thepresent invention in which the shield is longer and/or wider than theembodiment discussed herein, although the width of the shield preferablyis less than about eight inches (8″). To compensate for changes in thelength and/or width, such an embodiment of the present invention mayneed be placed higher on the basketball backboard, thus permitting suchan embodiment to serve its intended function of promoting an improvedtrajectory to a basketball shot. Likewise, the shield is discussedherein in terms of a shield comprising a rectangular cross-section. Infact, the shield may comprise a cross-section that is square, circular,elliptical, or another shape known in planar geometry, and still fallwithin the scope of the present invention.

[0054] Thus, while this invention has been described as having apreferred design, the present invention can be further modified withinthe scope and spirit of this disclosure. This application is thereforeintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principals. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosures as come within knownor primary practices in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A basketball training aid for use with a basketballbackboard having a substantially planar front surface and a conventionalbasketball goal having a circular rim mounted to said front surface ofsaid basketball backboard, the basketball training aid comprising: ashield having a first end and a second end and being formed into asubstantially semi-elliptical shape; and a first gripping means and asecond gripping means affixed respectively to said first end and saidsecond end of said shield, each of said gripping means being releaseablyattachable to said front surface of said basketball backboard so thatsaid shield is held in place slightly above and substantially parallelto said basketball goal solely by said gripping means, with saidsemi-elliptical shape of said shield extending away from said frontsurface of said basketball backboard at least slightly farther than saidcircular rim of said basketball goal, thereby causing an upper surfaceof said shield to be positioned above a top surface of said circular rimand outside a front edge of said circular rim.
 2. The basketballtraining aid of claim 1, wherein said shield comprises a flexible stripof polycarbonate material.
 3. The basketball training aid of claim 2,wherein said strip of polycarbonate material has a first end and asecond end, and a portion of said strip adjacent to each respective endis bent at approximately 90° to said strip to form a first leg and asecond leg.
 4. The basketball training aid of claim 3, wherein each ofsaid first leg and said second leg is canted to the extent necessary toposition said shield substantially parallel to said basketball goal. 5.The basketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said shield comprises aninjection molded polycarbonate material molded into a predeterminedcurved shape.
 6. The basketball training aid of claim 5, wherein saidinjection molded shield has a first end and a second end, and a portionof said shield adjacent to each respective end is curved atapproximately 90° to form a first leg and a second leg.
 7. Thebasketball training aid of claim 6, wherein each of said first leg andsaid second leg is canted to the extent necessary to position saidshield substantially parallel to said basketball goal.
 8. The basketballtraining aid of claim 1, wherein each gripping means comprises a vacuumcup.
 9. The basketball training aid of claim 8, wherein each vacuum cupcomprises: a concave flexible suction cup having a first surface formedso that it is compressible onto said front surface of said basketballbackboard, and a second flat surface, said suction cup having a hollowinterior portion that communicates on one side through an access openingthrough the second surface and communicates on another side to theconcave first surface through a central vacuum release hole; a rodhaving a first end and a second end extending through said accessopening into said hollow interior portion; a sealing plug adapted toseal said vacuum release hole when biased against said vacuum releasehole, said sealing plug being engaged on said first end of said rod;spring bias means normally biasing said sealing plug against said vacuumrelease hole within said hollow interior portion so that air can passthrough said hole as said first surface as pressed against said frontsurface but seals against said vacuum release hole to cause a vacuumbetween said first surface and said backboard when pressing ceases,causing said suction cup to grasp the backboard; and a knob attached tosaid second end of said rod, said knob graspable to move said rod andsaid sealing plug against the biasing of said spring bias means torelease said vacuum so that said suction cup can be removed from saidfront surface.
 10. The basketball training aid of claim 9, wherein saidvacuum cup further comprises a hollow sleeve mounted to an interiorsurface of said hollow interior, said hollow sleeve having a threadedportion extending outwardly from said second flat surface, and whereinsaid hollow sleeve is dimensioned to receive said rod within said hollowsleeve; and a threaded nut adapted to engage the threads of saidthreaded portion so that said sleeve can be mounted said first end andsaid second end of said shield.
 11. The basketball training aid of claim1, wherein each gripping means comprises a suction cup.
 12. Thebasketball training aid of claim 1, wherein said shield is positioned sothat said upper surface thereof is between about 1″ and about 4″ abovesaid top surface of said rim, and between about ½″ and about 4″ outsidesaid front edge of said rim.
 13. The basketball training aid of claim 1,further comprising tethering means engaged with said gripping means toprevent said basketball training aid from falling to the ground if saidgripping means disengage from said front surface of said backboard. 14.The basketball training aid of claim 3, wherein said first grippingmeans and said second gripping means are affixed respectively to saidfirst leg and said second leg, and each said gripping means comprises avacuum cup comprising: a concave flexible suction cup having a firstsurface formed so that it is compressible onto said front surface ofsaid basketball backboard, and a second flat surface, said suction cuphaving a hollow interior portion that communicates on one side throughan access opening through the second surface and communicates on anotherside to the concave first surface through a central vacuum release hole;a rod having a first end and a second end extending through said accessopening into said hollow interior portion; a sealing plug adapted toseal said vacuum release hole when biased against said vacuum releasehole, said sealing plug being engaged on said first end of said rod;spring bias means normally biasing said sealing plug against said vacuumrelease hole within said hollow interior portion so that air can passthrough said hole as said first surface as pressed against said frontsurface but seals against said vacuum release hole to cause a vacuumbetween said first surface and said backboard when pressing ceases,causing said suction cup to grasp the backboard; and a knob attached tosaid second end of said rod, said knob graspable to move said rod andsaid sealing plug against the biasing of said spring bias means torelease said vacuum so that said suction cup can be removed from saidfront surface.
 15. The basketball training aid of claim 14, wherein saidvacuum cup further comprises a hollow sleeve mounted to an interiorsurface of said hollow interior, said hollow sleeve having a threadedportion extending outwardly from said second flat surface, and whereinsaid hollow sleeve is dimensioned to receive said rod within said hollowsleeve; and a threaded nut adapted to engage the threads of saidthreaded portion so that said sleeve can be mounted said first end andsaid second end of said shield.
 16. The basketball training aid of claim15, wherein each of said first leg and said second leg is canted to theextent necessary to position said shield substantially parallel to saidbasketball goal.
 17. The basketball training aid of claim 16, whereinsaid shield is positioned so that said upper surface thereof is betweenabout 1″ and about 4″ above said top surface of said rim, and betweenabout ½″ and about 4″ outside said front edge of said rim.